COVID-19 & informal settlements: is Stay Home safe?

Abstract

Disproportional burden of COVID-19 and vulnerability to containment measures in informal settlements have been recognised, however, the role of poor housing conditions in propagating these remains neglected. Poor housing conditions will make it difficult to effectively implement social distancing measures. With increased time spent in cramped, dark and uncomfortable indoor environments, water and sanitation outside the home, and no outdoor space, higher exposure to existing health hazards and high levels of stress, with women and children most vulnerable, are anticipated. We reflect on these interconnections and recommend immediate measures and the long-term need for adequate housing for health and well-being.

Habitat vulnerability in slum areas of India – What we learnt from COVID-19?

“…Recently in a number of studies, it was well recognized that the urban slums are more vulnerable to COVID-19 transmission due to high population density, poor living conditions and limited access to basic services [ 6 , [15] , [16] , [17] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] ]. More than 70% of the total confirmed COVID-19 cases were recorded from the states falling under the category of very high and high vulnerability zones.…”

“…Recently UN-Habitat [ 1 ]; published a report stating that the cities of global (add something) are the most vulnerable due to rapid urbanization as well as large concentrations of slum population. Recently, it was well documented that the areas (like slums) with high population are more vulnerable to COVID-19 transmission [ 6 , [15] , [16] , [17] , [27] , [28] , [29] , [30] ]. Even after a quick review of the previous works of literature, few research gaps were identified that inspired us to conduct this study over slum vulnerability in India.…”